What BJJ Belt Is Gilbert Burns? Grappling Career, Fighting Style & More

In a past interview, Gilbert Burns revealed the start of his BJJ journey, “I was 12 when I started. After one month, I did my first competition, and I lost. I liked jiu-jitsu, but I loved competition.” One month later? He took on the same opponent and took his revenge! As the UFC gears up for another explosive event at UFC Vegas 106, Burns is set to clash with Michael Morales. And the spotlight’s back on his ground game.

But how far does his grappling pedigree really go? And how has it shaped the fighter we see today? Let’s take a closer look at the belt around his waist, the medals on his shelf, and the style he brings when the cage door locks behind ‘Durinho’! 

How good is Gilbert Burns at BJJ? Belt and achievement

Gilbert Burns currently holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rafael ‘Fofitio’ Barros. He started training in BJJ GI at the tender age of 12, along with his brothers Herbert and Fredrick. In fact, his nickname, ‘Durinho’, comes from the nickname of his older brother, and it means ‘Tiny Tough Guy’.

Burns has collected a rather beautiful resume when it comes to his time competing in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. He’s also won the world title back in 2011. Moreover, he also won the No-Gi championship in the year 2010.

Apart from that, Burns has collected a win at UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro, a first place at CBJJ Brazilian National, all in the same year of 2010, as well as a 3rd place at IBJJF European Open in 2009.

Even before turning black belt, Burns made waves. As a brown belt, he took silver in the IBJJF World Championship twice, in both 2006 and 2007. He also placed second in the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals in 2007.

From the old halls of Santa Marca College in Niterói, where he first trained under Luis Carlos da Fonseca, to the world stage, Burns’ path was built on grit and guided by legends.  

So when someone asks, “How good is Gilbert Burns at BJJ?” The answer? World-class, plain and simple! Now, let’s take a look at how he has adapted and evolved his fighting style to become a perennial contender in the UFC’s welterweight division. 

Burns’ fighting style in the UFC

You might think Gilbert Burns only submits people based on his long list of BJJ accomplishments. But that would be selling the man short. He’s a grappler with grenades in his fists. The UFC stats paint the picture: A 33% submission rate and a 20% KO/TKO rate. His 15-8 UFC record shows a fighter who can do it all.

Standing at 5’10” with a 71-inch reach, he fights from an orthodox stance and carries power in both hands. His 2.10 takedowns per 15 minutes and 37% accuracy underline his wrestling chops. But even if the takedown fails, he doesn’t panic. He presses forward.

The former welterweight title challenger averages 3.17 strikes landed per minute, with 48% accuracy, showing sharp stand-up skills to complement his mat work. He absorbs 3.57 strikes per minute and defends 52% of them. It may not be the tightest defense, but it is enough to survive firefights and drag foes into deep water like he did against Khamzat Chimaev.

Now, the BJJ maestro faces Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 106. Burns may be coming off a tough loss to Sean Brady in his last fight, but don’t count him out just yet. His legacy in BJJ and his kill-or-be-killed mindset keep him dangerous every second of the fight.

Will the undefeated Morales fall victim to ‘Durinho’s thunderous power and smothering grappling? Or will the rising contender pass the test of a lifetime? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!